Avalanche Signs First-Round Draft Pick Chris Stewart

DENVER - The Avalanche announced Tuesday that the team has signed forward Chris Stewart to a three-year, entry level contract. Stewart will report to Colorado's American Hockey League affiliate in Albany, N.Y.

Colorado's No. 1 pick (18th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Stewart just completed his third season with the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. The 19-year-old team captain finished second on the club in scoring with 82 points in 61 games. Stewart was also second on the Frontenacs in goals (36) and assists (46) and ranked third in penalty minutes (108). He tied for the team lead with 14 power-play goals.

"Chris is part of the long-term future of the Avalanche," said Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager Francois Giguere. "We feel he is ready to take that next step in his career and going to Albany will definitely help his development."

Stewart collected six points (4g/2a) in five playoff games this year as Kingston was eliminated by the Oshawa Generals in the first round.

The 6-foot-2, 228-pound right wing totaled 199 points (91g/108a) in 187 career games with Kingston. Stewart was selected to the 2007 OHL All-Star Game, where he scored a goal in the Eastern Conference's 13-9 victory over the West on Jan. 31 in Saginaw. He also played in the 2006 OHL All-Star Classic and 2006 CHL Top Prospects Game. He was drafted by the Avalanche after recording 37 goals and 87 points in 62 games with the Frontenacs in 2005-06